Social Media 101

Social media has quickly become the vanguard of food retailers and businesses wishing to expand their reach and publicise their company organically. A substantial proportion of internet activity revolves around food – it’s important to capitalise on this ‘foodie moment’ and reach a new audience.

1. COMMUNITY
Not only are Twitter or Facebook great tools in which to advertise your company, but they can be used to answer any customer queries or to make any exciting announcements. Generating a community is key – if somebody visiting your page notices that you are active and answer questions regularly, they’re more likely to think that you’re a lively voice within the community. It also reflects well on customer service perception.

2. UTILISE HASHTAGS AND TRENDS
It’s important to keep updated with the consistently-adapting daily trends and to engage with them, too. If it’s #NationalCakeWeek, it could be beneficial to post a photograph of your shop’s cakes and bakes section, including the hashtag. When Twitter users click the hashtag on their homepage, your post could be the first to appear.

3. QUALITY CONTROL
Food is a huge factor to many people opening up an account on social media platforms, such as image posting app Instagram. Posts have a very short shelf-life on Instagram and a ‘scroll-past’ culture is fairly prevalent, so it’s integral that the quality of the images posted are of an exemplary standard. The more aesthetically pleasing your posts, the more your online community will grow.

4. ONLINE EVENTS
A great way to expand your social media presence, to reach a new audience and share your expert knowledge is by hosting or participating in a Twitter Party. This is a live chat centred around a particular Hashtag, which enables you to connect with participants for a specific amount of time. A Q&A format works well and provides an ideal opportunity for you to share insightful tips and behind-the-scenes information – social media users relish this form of exclusivity.